Direct Light-Enabled Access to α-Boryl Radicals: Application in the Stereodivergent Synthesis of Allyl Boronic Esters**

Abstract

Operationally simple strategies to assemble boron containing organic frameworks are highly enabling in organic synthesis. While conventional retrosynthetic logic has engendered many platforms focusing on the direct formation of C−B bonds, α-boryl radicals have recently reemerged as versatile open-shell alternatives to access organoborons via adjacent C−C bond formation. Direct light-enabled α-activation is currently contingent on photo- or transition metal-catalysis activation to efficiently generate radical species. Here, we disclose a facile activation of α-halo boronic esters using only visible light and a simple Lewis base to enable homolytic scission. Intermolecular addition to styrenes facilitates the rapid construction of highly versatile E-allylic boronic esters. The simplicity of activation permits the strategic merger of this construct with selective energy transfer catalysis to enable the complimentary stereodivergent synthesis of Z-allylic boronic esters.